This map shows a pollution "nowcast", which is a service to show current pollution levels
in detail across London in comparison with the Government's Air Pollution Index.

It is created by combining readings taken within the last hour and air pollution modelling in London.
As you zoom into the map you will see which areas are currently experiencing higher pollution levels than others, usually those areas
close to busy roads. More information about the Air Pollution Index and health advice associated with each index level can be seen
here.

More Information

Why nowcast?

Measurements from monitoring stations are only able to report air quality at
that particular place. The nowcast combines these measurements with our detailed model to show a prediction of what air
quality is like across the whole of Greater London.

Why do you use only four pollutants?

The four pollutants chosen are ones which are known to have an effect on health within London
and are able to be predicted with this model. Levels of carbon monoxide (CO) are now well below EU Limit Values and have not been mapped,
However this pollutant remains important in the formation of ozone(O3) across the northern-hemisphere and indoors, exposure to CO
from faulty heating and cooking appliances can be dangerous. Concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2) are too unpredictable to
create a map using this method. Each pollutant has different sources and behaviour, so try selecting each pollutant in turn to get a full
picture of air quality at your chosen location.

Why does pollution appear to be low everywhere?

Often air pollution levels in most areas of London are sufficiently small to be classified
as low according to the air quality index.
When this index was created these levels were considered unlikely to cause any adverse health effects.
There is currently debate about whether there is any safe level for these pollutants.
Much of the pollution in London is associated with traffic and zooming in to show individual roads will usually reveal
locations where pollution levels are higher.

How accurate is it?

Based on comparison of nowcast and measurements from monitoring sites we expect the
nowcast to be a good visualisation of measured data
to within half an index value for most locations. The 20m resolution of the model is not able to fully represent
pollution concentrations within a few metres of roads and very localised sources of PM10 particles (PM10). We will be monitoring the
performance of the nowcast and expect to be adjusting and improving it over time. A current indication of nowcast accuracy is available
here.

Why is ozone(O3) lower in the middle of London?

Some of the pollution created by cars reacts with ozone(O3) and causes it to change
into other chemicals. This means that ozone(O3) is on average lower in the middle of London and close to busy roads.